What a different morning from yesterday! Yesterday was bright, sunny and warm with a view of the ocean. Today is cool and rainy, enclosed in pine trees (it smells good though).
We were supposed to do a boat trip today, but I postponed it to tomorrow, pending better weather. There’s not much in the way of travel today. We are still in the park although moving to a different campground just a few km away.
We are just taking our time this morning, hoping the weather will keep improving. I decided it was time I did some yoga to get me limbered up a bit more. I have to say, doing yoga in the van is a challenge, but anything is better than nothing. And it does feel good.
A walk around Berry Hill Pond
There is a short hike of about 1.5 miles in length around a pond that we will do this morning. I would imagine bug spray will be needed. (And it wasn’t). Interestingly enough, we haven’t come across any blackflies, just mosquitoes. Please enjoy the flora and fauna we came across on this very beautiful, very wet hike, including the loons who appeared like magic. Loons are always a gift both to watch and to listen to. Their haunting calls are like no other.
Other birds we heard: northern thrush, hermit thrush, swainsons thrush, cape may warbler, Tennessee warbler, American redstart, white throated sparrow.
We got back to camp soaking wet and muddy. We both had to completely change and deal with messy footware. Our next campsite is just a few miles away. We checked in early because we have dinner theater tonight. We like to see what our campsites look like in the daylight. Parking in the dark is always a challenge. We spent the rest of the day driving up the coast to Cow Head, stopping at all the points of interest including the Wreck of the SS Ethie and Broom Point.
The Wreck of the SS Ethie
The Wreck of the SS Ethie is a haunting tale of maritime disaster that took place in 1919 off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The SS Ethie was a passenger steamship that had been in service for many years, ferrying passengers and cargo between ports along the eastern seaboard. On a fateful day in December, the Ethie encountered a severe winter storm that whipped up massive waves and fierce winds, pushing the ship off course and towards the treacherous rocks of a rugged coastline.
Despite the best efforts of the captain and crew to navigate through the storm, the Ethie ultimately ran aground on the jagged rocks, causing significant damage to the hull and leaving the ship stranded in the pounding surf. In the chaos and confusion that followed, the passengers and crew were forced to abandon ship, clinging to lifeboats and bits of debris as they were tossed about by the raging seas.
Miraculously, all of the passengers and crew were eventually rescued by a team of brave rescuers who risked their own lives to pluck them from the icy waters. The wreck of the Ethie serves as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature, as well as the courage and resilience of those who face such challenges at sea.
Broom Point: known for its rugged cliffs, panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the remnants of a historic fishing community. The area was once home to a small fishing village that thrived in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The site offers a glimpse into the history of the fishing industry in Newfoundland and the challenges faced by early settlers in this remote region.
Cow Head NFLD: Cow Head is a small community located on the west coast of Newfoundland, Canada, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Cow Head offers a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with local galleries, museums, and theaters showcasing the region’s rich history and creative talent. The Gros Morne Theatre Festival, held annually in Cow Head, features a diverse lineup of performances, ranging from traditional Newfoundland music to contemporary theatre productions.
We had lunch in the restaurant of the local motel after which we walked for a bit, wandering through the little garden at the local Anglican church and visiting the wool and fiber arts shop in town… and of course, a purchase. The owner processes and dyes her own yarns from plants and insects.
We will be doing the dinner theater here in Cow Head tonight. We have a couple of hours to while away. We’ve already done a lot walking today. We found a scenic spot out of town along the water where we can relax đ.
Off to the theater.
Theater Festival, Cow Head, NFLD
Nurse Myra M. Bennett, also known simply as The Nurse, Myra M. Bennett, CM, MBE (April 1, 1890 â April 26, 1990) was born in London, England, died Daniel’s Harbour, Newfoundland. Nurse Bennet was a celebrated Canadian nurse. a pioneering figure in the field of nursing, particularly known for her contributions to public health and rural nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Bennett (nÊe Grimsley) worked as a tailor in London before training as a nurse at Woolwich during the first World War. She later studied midwifery at Clapham School of Midwifery. She came to Newfoundland as a district nurse under the outport nursing scheme. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, she dedicated her life to improving healthcare access and delivery in some of the most remote and underserved communities in the region.
One of Nurse Bennett’s most notable achievements was her work in the small, isolated coastal communities of Newfoundland and Labrador, where access to healthcare services was extremely limited. She often traveled by foot, boat, or dog sled to reach patients in need, providing essential medical care and support to those who would otherwise have been unable to receive it. Her commitment to these communities earned her widespread respect and admiration, and she became a symbol of hope and resilience for many.
Nurse Myra Bennett’s legacy extends far beyond her individual efforts as a nurse. She was a trailblazer for women in healthcare, breaking down barriers and stereotypes in a male-dominated field. Her dedication to her patients, her innovative approaches to nursing practice, and her unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of underserved populations have left an indelible mark on the history of nursing in Canada.
Theater Newfoundland Labrador, founded in 1979, is a vibrant and thriving community of artists and performers. Known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, Newfoundland provides the perfect backdrop for a diverse range of theatrical productions that showcase local talent and storytelling traditions. Theater Newfoundland features a wide variety of performances, including traditional plays, musicals, experimental theater, and original productions that reflect the unique history and cultural influences of the region. With a focus on promoting Newfoundland’s artistic community, the theater scene in the province is known for its creativity, passion, and commitment to showcasing authentic stories that resonate with both local audiences and visitors.
In addition to its stage productions, Theater Newfoundland also offers workshops, training programs, and community outreach initiatives to engage with aspiring actors, playwrights, and theater enthusiasts of all ages. These initiatives help to nurture new talent, foster creativity, and promote a sense of community within the Newfoundland theater scene.
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